So today was a true day in Cali wine country. Not only was it amazingly warm (sorry Toronto, I hear you have snow, sucky for you.) it was jam packed with a day full of gourmet food and wine. I would have to say that day 4 was quite "amazing", and I am sure that Paula would agree with me on that one. Can I also say that a day without wine is like a day without um...can I say mascara...no maybe bread and olive oil. Taylor what do you think?
This morning we visited Trinchero Family Estates. They are renovating and the property was truly unbelievable. Trinchero is home to the Menage a Trois blend (red, white rose) that are being released this coming February on Ontario. I cannot wait for their return. Barry (our Trinchero rep) took us on a tour of the new property and we were treated to some great barrell samples (my favourite was the meritage). I love the Trinchero famiy. They are a great family, with genuine values and visions, oh ya... and their wines are wonderful. Have you tried Paul Newmans Wine? It is coming soon, but you should.
Barry (from Trinchero) joined us for lunch where we met Jeffrey (aka "Chef") and his team. Jeffrey is the Executive Chef for the Sutter Home Winery and we had a great lesson on food and wine balance on the plate. We then had lunch prepared for us by the Sutter Home kitchen staff (aka Chef and team). The food for lunch was unbelievable. It was spicy, (and the ironic part is that I had just finished mentioning that I eat many many and many a spicy foods) and to boot they served my favourite food wines, Riesling, Pinot Noir and they even served a great dessert wine.The lineup was pretty good. As you can see the food looks pretty great from the picture.After lunch, a 15 minute break outside laying on the grass and the boys eating a fresh blood red orange (from a fresh orange tree) we headed back onto the bus for a stop at Viader to try a bunch of wines. The winery had such a spectacular view that we all really enjoyed the balcony and the rapid sunset.
We then went back to the hotel (aka home) for a beautiful swim in the pool and a relaxing sit in the hot tub. A few of us cracked open a bottle of red wine (Thanks Rick!) and we all enjoyed a glass of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Actually... Taylor brought a bottle of Red Stripe from the in room mini bar and we had a great ol' time.
We tried 5 white wines before dinner, which was at Mondavi, and then had another 6 glasses of Merlot with our main course. I do have have to say that we have enjoyed some great food on this trip. Not only have I eaten breakfast (which I never do), I have eaten a very large lunch and a fairly grand sized dinner. Not that I am complaining, but that is a great amount of food, for a 5 footer like me.
I do have to say that I truly admire all the people on my trip. They are all really cool people. I have had the opportunity to get to know each of them, and understand about all the great ways they contribute to the wine industry. I also found out that we all love wine, and that is why we are in the industry. I a
m glad I got to spend a few days to get to know them and can't wait till California (or elsewhere) trip #2. We have developed some super cool inside jokes and it has been a really great time with everyone.I am really excited for tomorrow because we are going to Beringer and Barnett. I was saying yesterday that I knew the winemaker at Barnett and I am pumped to be able to see Mr. David Tate tomorrow and try some great Beringer wines. There are only tomorrow and Saturday left, so I need to truly enjoy the next two days. I saved my dress for tomorow and will also be wearing my cowboys boots too, I am excited for a day in the vineyard, and more wine tasting!!!!
Below is an iYellow TV, featuring Taylor Thompson and Jamie Drummond, both are some of the top Sommeliers in the City.
P.S. Tim, I made it through the article and didn't mention Paxton at all!
P.S.S Maybe Brett will comment on this article....
